WHY WE ENDORSED: Rooney, the first-term incumbent in U.S. District 16, faces Horn, who defeated fellow Democrat Ed Tautiva in the Aug. 24 primary, and write-in candidate Dean, in the Nov. 2 general election.

Dean is a non-factor in this race. No write-in candidate has ever won an election in Florida.

Horn, a business entrepreneur and consultant who resides in Palm City, is a newcomer to politics. He had never run for political office prior to the primary election. And while Horn wears the Democratic label, he essentially is a Republican who struggles to differentiate himself from Rooney's political philosophy.

When the editorial board of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers asked Rooney what he is most proud of during his first term in Congress, the incumbent — an Army veteran — pointed to legislation he introduced to aid returning war veterans. Though the bill failed to come to a vote in the House, Rooney noted that Congress is spending more money on mental health programs for soldiers returning stateside.

He also is proud of the services his staff provides to constituents in District 16, and the many town hall meetings ("about 20") he hosted this year.

Rooney has been appointed to the Armed Services, Judiciary and Agriculture committees. The latter, in particular, may prove beneficial to a key group of constituents.

"A good part of this district is agricultural," Rooney said. "To have a seat at the table for farmers and ranchers in our district is important."

He also hinted at a possible leadership post in the Republican Party, but provided no specifics.

The incumbent has been a solid member of Congress. However, he gets low marks for economic development and job creation in the district.

Voters are right to ask: Where is Rooney's record on job creation?

"I work every day with small-business owners that are looking to bring their jobs to the Treasure Coast," Rooney said.

But in terms of actual legislation that would benefit the local economy, Rooney added: "There has been no legislation that I've proposed that has been signed into law that has helped bring jobs to the Treasure Coast."

He assigns the blame for this on the fact he's in the minority party in Washington.

This could change in November if Republicans regain majorities in the House and Senate.

But this hasn't stopped the congressman from taking credit for some of the stimulus money that has come to the region.

This is disingenuous.

Attempting to recruit prospective businesses appears to be the extent of Rooney's economic-development and job-creation efforts. This must change if the incumbent is re-elected.

Rooney could be an effective leader — especially if Republicans gain a majority in Congress. But he must become more than a cheerleader for the Treasure Coast.

WHY WE DIDN'T ENDORSE: Horn gave Rooney a "B" for the latter's first term in Congress. Of his opponent, Rooney stated: "I don't know why (Horn's) running against me. I've never met him. All I know about him is what he's written in the newspaper and on his website. There's very little in there that I disagree with."

Why should voters in District 16 trade one like-minded congressman for another — and forfeit the leadership gains Rooney has made?